Flexible virtual optical network provisioning using distance-adaptive modulation

Abstract

Flexible VON provisioning may include calculating a candidate mapping pattern to satisfy a virtual optical network (VON) demand based on virtual-to-physical node mapping choices. A distance-adaptive routing and spectral slot assignment evaluation of the candidate mapping pattern may be performed. When the VON demand is satisfied by the candidate mapping pattern, the candidate mapping pattern may be added to a valid mapping patterns list. A final mapping pattern may be selected from the valid mapping patterns list, the final mapping pattern having one of a lowest slot layer and a smallest overall slot usage on the valid mapping patterns list. Then, network resources may be reserved based on the final mapping pattern selected to service the VON demand.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for network provisioning, comprising:
 responsive to receiving a request for a virtual optical network (VON), calculating a first mapping pattern, the first mapping pattern includes a mapping of at least two virtual nodes to at least two physical nodes in an optical network; 
 evaluating the first mapping pattern for compliance with the request, wherein distance-adaptive routing and spectral slot assignment is performed on the first mapping pattern; and 
 when the first mapping pattern complies with the request:
 designating the first mapping pattern as a first valid mapping pattern; 
 selecting, from valid mapping patterns for the request including the first valid mapping pattern, a final mapping pattern, wherein the final mapping pattern has at least one of a lowest spectral slot layer and a smallest spectral slot usage among the valid mapping patterns; 
 allocating physical network resources, including physical nodes and lightpaths, based on the final mapping pattern; and 
 responding to the request with an indication of the final mapping pattern. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 evaluating a plurality of mapping patterns for compliance with the request, wherein distance-adaptive routing and spectral slot assignment is performed on each of the mapping patterns; and 
 when no evaluated mapping patterns comply with the request, denying the request. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the request specifies a plurality of virtual nodes and a plurality of virtual links respectively connecting the virtual nodes. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distance-adaptive routing is based on a service-level agreement associated with the VON. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distance-adaptive routing is based on a modulation format supported by the optical network. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the request specifies a minimum throughput capacity of the VON. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first mapping pattern includes a one-to-one relationship between the virtual nodes and the physical nodes. 
     
     
       8. A system for network provisioning, comprising:
 a processor configured to access non-transitory computer readable memory media, wherein the memory media store processor-executable instructions, the instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:
 responsive to receiving a request for a virtual optical network (VON), calculate a first mapping pattern, the first mapping pattern includes a mapping of at least two virtual nodes to at least two physical nodes in an optical network; 
 evaluate the first mapping pattern for compliance with the request, wherein distance-adaptive routing and spectral slot assignment is performed on the first mapping pattern; and 
 when the first mapping pattern complies with the request: 
 designate the first mapping pattern as a first valid mapping pattern; 
 select, from valid mapping patterns for the request including the first valid mapping pattern, a final mapping pattern, wherein the final mapping pattern has at least one of a lowest spectral slot layer and a smallest spectral slot usage among the valid mapping patterns; 
 allocate physical network resources, including physical nodes and lightpaths, based on the final mapping pattern; and 
 respond to the request with an indication of the final mapping pattern. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , further comprising instructions to:
 evaluate a plurality of mapping patterns for compliance with the request, wherein distance-adaptive routing and spectral slot assignment is performed on each of the mapping patterns; and 
 when no evaluated mapping patterns comply with the request, deny the request. 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the request specifies a plurality of virtual nodes and a plurality of virtual links respectively connecting the virtual nodes. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the distance-adaptive routing is based on a service-level agreement associated with the VON. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the distance-adaptive routing is based on a modulation format supported by the optical network. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the request specifies a minimum throughput capacity of the VON. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first mapping pattern includes a one-to-one relationship between the virtual nodes and the physical nodes.